Commercial fishing makes NO economic sense

[okfisherman]

It's always about the money. Surely there is a way to appease the natives without destoying the best thing you've got going. Where is all the enviro-wacko's protesting the ensuing slaughter. A few years ago here in Oklahoma we had a native tribe trying to reclaim the riverfront of several counties on the Illinois river, just take it from the current landowners, all because they thought they could pull it off. Sure enough, the state kicked in enough bucks and some prime land for a casino and alls well. It would sure be a shame to let egos ruin the fishing for everyone just because they can.

[CaptJohnWI]

Today's newspaper reports that none of the fish will come from Rainy Lake (ya right). How would the plant manager know where they come from? Keep track of how many nets you see on Rainy Lake now and next year.

I have only seen one so far in open water plus one ice fishing. Both were on Ontario side of lake.

I doubt you can haul fish from deep inside Canada to I. Falls and make any money. Plants are built near the source of raw materials, not hundreds of miles away.

I hope Ontario officials are aware of this plant and where supposedly the fish will come from. I did email Ontario MNR but no reply.

[PRO-V]

What bothers me even more than the netting is why can't all people be treated as equals. I don't look at someones color or nationality. The tribes are always saying we stole their land but fail to mention they stole it from a differant tribe before we came along. None of these issues will ever be resolved as long as there is division of the people. I say we are ALL equal and all deserve the same rights. We should all take fish in the same manner, with the same limits with the health of the resource in mind.

[Rainydaze]

There will always be forms of public welfare in which monies are taken from one and given to another. Modern day Robinhood played out in the fast pace of todays world I guess you could say. Some are too proud to accept, and still others are not. Some families deserve it while some surely do not. Fishing rights are one measure of federal payoff to allow natives to earn money versus others (CASINOS?) Of course we couldn't get our ducks in a row for a casino, but I bet if people knew of the alternatives there may have been a different sort of public perception. I personally would rather the Casino fund a payoff in which could also benefit the area rather than see the natural resources take the brunt of failed judicial systems. While in the end everyone surely loses. Truth of the matter is life isn't fair. From land being overtaken to taking money out of hard working families budget to give to others to squander. Most would probably agree, but few are willing to put into words. Truth hurts sometimes. Truth of the matter is all races have the good and the not so good. Make no question about that. I have plenty respect for many native americans, and stereotyping would be very unjust. With that being said I would like to here the overall good of a natural resource addressed rather than how to divide and squander it. Make no mistake the institution a slot requirement and reduction of fish kept on many lakes didn't go over all that well with many fisherman, and they were predominately not Native Americans. With that being said we all have to be willin to make some sacrifices. I'm still not willing to go all artificials!

Good news is the fish are still biting!

Good Fishing!

RD

[pikehunter461]

I would like to correct some misconceptions that have consistently been made regarding the issue of first nation people on Rainy Lake. How many of you have spoken with first nation members? I have- they are strongly OPPOSED to the idea of a fish processing plant. They DO NOT want to increase netting. Currently one of the first nations does net fish- one net. One net that feeds the elderly. This is the only netting that they currently do on Rainy. The reality is, the fish processing plant has nothing to do with tribal fishing rights. It has to do with the greed of irresponsible non-tribal members who don't care about the fishery or the local people (tribal or not). I am not a first nation member, but I have spoken in detail with members regarding this issue. Rather than complain about the first nation members, start complaining about the people who are approving the processing facility. Native people have the right to harvest fish, but the processing facility is NOT a right- it is a sanctioned business that must be approved by your local government officials who you can vote out of office. I hope the facility does not get built and if it does I hope the local first nation members stick to their belief that large scale netting is not appropriate for rainy lake.

Also, the biggest netter on Rainy was a man in NW Bay who has a bay named after him (polish name). He did more damage to the fishery then the native people have ever done.

[1runhotshot]

There is in NO WAY anything good that come from Gill Nets. The few jobs it provides is NOTHING to the danage that is done! BAN THE NETS!!!! Join PERM. it is not just a Mille Lacs or Native American issue!!!

[Rainydaze]

Fantastic news Pikehunter! I for one am very glad to hear that. I've laid my own eyes on a very different situation on other popular walleye destinations. Yep it's there legal right too do so, but In fact I have watched first hand other fisheries have spawning walleyes decimated via gill nets. That is why I have reiterated not stereotyping period. Seems you might understand how some may feel a bit weary though? I bet if these natives you have referred to were to issue a statement supporting exactly what you have just said that many would have a clearer understanding of there intentions. Always had a bit of a tought time reading minds. I must pose the question though on who will be doing the netting for the processing plant should it be approved? You bet I don't want netting on Rainy by anyone, yet with that being said I'm not going to turn my back if it is done on another lake either. My guess is if your statements are true that the natives could easily stop the plant as the supply of fish will be hindered greatly. Problem seemingly solved.

[pikehunter461]

Rainy- you make some good points. I agree that the processing facility is a terrible idea regardless of where fish are coming from. The fish would come from areas other than Rainy....... I don't know where. LOW and other fisheries could be targeted. The reality is each First Nation has its own interal politics and while at this time the full intention is not to net, it could change 5 or 10 years from now. The processing plant can bring no good to the Rainy Lake region. As for the native people stopping the fish supply, I can only speak to the local native viewpoint that I have been exposed to. The native people from other regions other than Rainy may be happy and willing to net for a processing plant. This could be the source of the fish. I just don't understand why someone would locate a facility in the Falls when fish would be coming from further away. Higher transport costs, a border crossing, etc don't seem to make sense to me. Anyhow, I will repeat the statement I have made several times before- put pressure on local government officials to deny the facility from being built in the city or the county. If they don't act responsibly, vote them out of office!

[Rainydaze]

We're on the same page Pikehunter! I too am a bit concerned as to the reasoning the plant would be built here if the fish are coming from a distance. Just sounds fishy to me. Take Care! Most of all it's nice to see people concerned about the overall good of our natural resources. Make no mistake about it issues like this are difficult to discuss, and often times someone feels jilted or misunderstood. Thus the importance of having a voice while standing up for what is right. Glad to hear some are doing just that! Kudos to you all! Good Fishing!

RD